Michelle D. Jackson

Michelle Jackson is a seasoned federal executive with more than two decades of experience in public health, regulatory policy, and legislative affairs. She currently serves as Division Director of the Office of Compliance and Enforcement at the FDA’s Center for Tobacco Products (CTP), where she leads a team of over 50 professionals across five branches. In this role, she oversees national-scale regulatory compliance programs, including contract lifecycle management for more than 70 agreements valued at $80 million, the review of evidence from retail and manufacturer inspections, and the issuance of over 5,000 enforcement actions annually. Her leadership extends to managing negotiations with retailers and manufacturers that result in millions of dollars in civil penalties, as well as guiding legal actions and administrative hearings in partnership with the Departmental Appeals Board.

Since joining FDA CTP in 2010, Michelle has played a pivotal role in shaping and enforcing federal tobacco control policy. Prior to her current role, she served as Branch Chief in the Office of Compliance and Enforcement, where she significantly expanded the scope of the nationwide tobacco retail compliance program to include contracts with more than 50 states, U.S. territories, and American Indian tribes. Earlier at CTP, as a Regulatory Policy Analyst, she supported legislative and policy development, tribal consultations, and engagement with state public health officials that laid the foundation for the Center’s national retail inspection program.

Before her tenure at the FDA, Michelle served at both the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA). At NIH’s National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, she worked as a congressional liaison, tracking legislation, preparing hearing materials, and supporting testimony on issues ranging from HIV/AIDS to organ transplantation. At HRSA, she was a Legislative Analyst, where she advised on key health policy matters including the national vaccine injury compensation program, stem cell transplantation initiatives, and pharmacy affairs.

Michelle holds a Juris Doctor from Vanderbilt University Law School, where she was actively involved in the Legal Aid Society and the Women Law Student Association. She further enhanced her executive expertise through the Federal Executive Institute’s executive leadership program, deepening her knowledge in transformational leadership and organizational excellence.

Recognized for her outstanding service, Michelle has received multiple honors, including the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary’s Award for Meritorious Service and several FDA CTP Group Recognition Honor Awards. With a career dedicated to advancing public health, strengthening regulatory compliance, and fostering intergovernmental collaboration, Michelle continues to be a driving force in federal public health leadership and tobacco control efforts.

• The Federal Executive Institute - Executive Leadership Certificate - 2020
• Vanderbilt University - JD

• Hampton University - BS